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Cartagena

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CartagenaC O L O M B I A

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct,

we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.

© RCCL 2008. All rights reserved.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Cartagena de Indias was named after the famous port on the southeast coast of Spain. Cartagena de Indias grew wealthy and famous as the main Latin America departure point from which countless galleons sailed forth on their return voyage to Spain loaded with the plundered silver, gold and jewels of the “New World”. Today the “Old City” is one of the most beautiful and best preserved examples of colonial architecture in the Americas.

Cartagena is a city of rich cultural heritage that is a combination of Spanish, Indigenous, African and Caribbean influences. The city has a population over 1-million. The social and economic divisions run deep, are clearly demarcated and have changed little over the centuries.

After hundreds of years of post-colonial decline Cartagena has once again immerged as an important gateway into Colombia and a bustling Caribbean hub. Though Cartagena faces the same challenges as any other large metropolitan area, over the past two decades the city has enjoyed a rejuvenated tourist industry. Local government and business leaders continue to work hard to make sure that the image and reality of their city is not confused with the narco-terrorist image that has unfortunately plagued much of Andean Colombia. Their efforts have been justly rewarded by the many visitors that come to Cartagena from around the world.

HISTORY Rodrigo de Bastidas had previously sailed with Christopher Columbus. Bastidas was a Spanish explorer and fortune hunter. In 1501 he discovered a beautiful protected bay on the northwest coast of South America. He gave it the name of “Bahía de Baru” then sailed away. Thirty two years later, January 21, 1533, Pedro de Heredia founded the town of Cartagena de Indias on the shores of Bahía de Baru. Heredia was the regional governor, an Indian fighter, tomb robber and duelist who had the blood of at least three victims on his noble-born hands. Cartagena de Indias would grow and prosper for two tragic reasons.

It is no secret that the Spanish came to the new world in search of gold and other riches. When they could not trade for it they killed for it. Countless Amerindian men, women and children were slaughtered. Entire civilizations that had thrived for millennia were, virtually wiped out over night. The Amerindians easily succumbed to disease introduced into the population by the Spanish themselves. But slaves were necessary for everything from growing the Spaniard’s sugarcane to digging in the Spaniard’s goldmines. Cartagena was granted one of two royal monopolies to handle all of Spain’s slave trade throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Plundered treasure from the Indians of the New World sailed out of Cartagena bound for Spain as valuable slaves sailed in from Africa. The first Spanish ship full of African slaves made port in 1564.

As the riches of this Spanish city increased so did the threat of pirate attacks. The men of Cartagena that profited so greatly from the pillage of incalculable treasure and plunder of human toil were tempting

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targets and the unsympathetic prey of the pirates. Cartagena was attacked and looted by buccaneers numerous times. Cartagena needed a fort to protect her booty from being stolen by others. Begun in 1639 slave labor took over a century to complete Fort of San Felipe de Barajas and the city’s other defensive battlements. They stand today having never been captured.

The Holy Office Court of the Spanish Inquisition was established in Cartagena on February 5th, 1610. From Cartagena the Roman Catholic Church spread its power throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America for over 200 years. In 1821, under the leadership of the great liberator Simon Bolivar, Cartagena and much of Latin America was freed from Spanish rule.

POINTS OF INTEREST

1 Casa de Marqués Valdehoyos is a beautiful example of the

architecture of colonial Cartagena. The Marqués gained his incredible wealth in the African slave trade. It was in this house that the great Simon Bolivar recuperated during an illness.

2 Teatro Heredia was built in 191. It is considered by many

to be one Latin America’s most beautiful theaters.

3 Las Bovedas is also known as The Dungeons. Built in the

late 1700s they were not places of torture but rather barracks for the troops. It is most likely that the troops bestowed the “dungeon” moniker.

4 Iglesia de Santo Domingo is the oldest church in the city. The church doubled as a defensive fortification and watch

tower.

5 The Inquisition Palace represents one of the most horrific parts of Latin American history. It was from this building,

beginning in 1610 and lasting for over 200 years, that the Roman Catholic Church accused, tortured and publicly dispatched those from throughout South America who ran afoul of the all-powerful

Catholic institution. The palace has an interesting museum.

6 Plaza de Bolívar is named after the great liberator. The plaza is a popular place to stroll or relax and just people

watch.

7 The Gold Museum has a great collection of pre-Colombian pieces and gold jewelry. The displays give visitors a good

understanding of the history of Cartagena.

8 Coach Square is the site of the former slave market. Cartagena was designated by the Spanish Crown as one

of only two cities that could trade in slaves throughout Latin

America and the Caribbean. In this market countless thousands of Africans were branded, bought and sold.

9 The Naval Museum traces Cartagena’s seafaring history. The city was one of the most important ports in Latin

America and gained its wealth from its strategic position on South America’s Caribbean coast.

10 Fort San Felipe de Barajas is one of the best preserved Spanish fortifications in the Latin America. Construction,

by slave labor, was begun in 1639. The fort is part of an extensive defensive network that was designed to protect the city from the very real threat of pirate attack.

SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to Cartagena and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our organized Shore Excursions. For information concerning tour content and pricing, consult your Shore Excursion Brochure, Shore Excursion TV Channel or contact the Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them only the items they need and to secure any valuables.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining: Prices are usually fixed.

Tipping: If a service charge is not included, 10% is a good guideline.

Local Cuisine: Tortilla de Huevos Criolla is a ham and cheese omelet with chopped onion, tomatoes and corn. Ajiaco is a chicken stew with potatoes, peas and carrots. Colombian Tamales are dough, topped with a filling of marinated meat, carrots, potatoes and hard boiled eggs then covered with a mixture of garlic, onion and lemon sauce, wrapped tight in banana leaves and steamed.

Local drink: Columbia is not known for its breweries however some Colombian beers include Club Colombia, Aguila, Costeña, Cristal Oro, and Pilsen.

SHOPPING FACILITIES One of the most popular shopping areas in the city is the Pierino Gallo Mall. Beautiful leather goods and handicrafts are among many of the items for sale.

LOCAL CURRENCY The national currency is the Colombian peso (COP). ATMs are available. Master Card and Visa are widely accepted.

POST OFFICE & TELEPHONE FACILITIES Post Office, FedEx, Mail Boxes and DHL offices are located in the Bocagrande area: Ave. San Martin, 20 min from the pier by taxi.

Dial the following access numbers to use a personal calling card:

AT&T: 01.800.911.0010MCI: 01.800.916.0001Sprint: 01.800.913.0010

TOURIST INFORMATION is called Corporación Turismo Cartagena de Indias and is located downtown at Ave. Blas de Lezo Muelle Turistico La Bodeguita.

TRANSPORTATION Taxis are generally available near the Pier.

USEFUL WORDS & PHRASES Yes - Si No - NoGood Day - Buenos DiasGood Bye - AdiosThank-you - GraciasYou’re welcome - De Nada